Fire Engineering Podcast Network

Mayday Monday: Rescuing a Heavily Entrapped Firefighter

Welcome to the June 2025 edition of Mayday Monday. This month we review a fire from St. Mary’s County, Maryland. On June 27, 2023, several departments were dispatched for a fire in a two-story, single-family dwelling. The chief of the first-due fire company was first to arrive on scene and found heavy fire conditions on the first and second floors of the house. He established command and completed a 360o survey of the building. He confirmed fire on the first and second floors and no obvious fire in the basement. 
As units arrived, crews stretched and operated attack lines from Side A into the main entrance. Firefighters were able to make it into the first floor, but the fire had control of the interior. Firefighter Brice Trossbach, acting officer of the second-arriving engine, Engine 132, had the line when a collapse occurred. Members scrambled for the exit, but Trossbach dropped into the basement.

Fire Service Data and Tech Talk: The Path Forward with Tom Jenkins

The Path Forward with Tom JenkinsIn this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Tom Jenkins, senior advisor/research manager for UL Fire Safety Research Institute on the NERIS project. They discuss the transformation of fire service data collection and technology through the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). Jenkins shares his experience leading this groundbreaking project, explaining why accurate, timely data is a game changer for firefighter safety, resource allocation, and community risk reduction.
 
They talk about NERIS’s modernization of decades-old practices with a firefighter-focused, adaptable platform that integrates seamlessly with existing systems ranging from rural volunteer departments to large metropolitan agencies. The discussion also reveals cultural hurdles around data in the fire service and stresses the crucial role of peer support and education in smooth transitions. With onboarding underway regionally and the old system sunsetting by the year’s end, departments must take action to avoid gaps in data reporting.

Main Street Firefighting: Lessons from a Complex Main Street Fire

Main Street Firefighting: Lessons from a Complex Main Street Fire
In this episode of Main Street Firefighting, get an inside look at a challenging downtown fire involving legacy brick buildings with cockloft involvement—fueled by heavy winds and complicated by unique building features like spiral staircases and metal roofing. The department’s rapid third-alarm call, strategic placement of crews at front and rear, and innovative use of a drone with thermal imaging helped identify hidden fire spots and halt the blaze’s spread. Despite resource limitations in a small city setting, strong interdepartmental coordination, disciplined radio communication, and tactical roof and hose operations kept structural collapse and loss largely in check. The discussion also touches on the importance of passing knowledge to future firefighters and the value of training for unfamiliar, complex fires. This episode offers an invaluable case study for departments facing urban fires with legacy structures, sharing real-world strategies, and lessons learned that could save lives and property.

Fire and Training: Building High-Performance Teams

In this episode of Fire and Training, host Doug Cline breaks down the core elements needed to build and sustain high-performance teams. Leadership here isn’t about titles or rank—it’s about clear purpose, strong communication, and unwavering accountability. Cline highlights seven key characteristics, from fostering open dialogue to cultivating trust and encouraging continuous improvement.
 
Drawing analogies from football, Cline shows how each member’s role and collaboration shape team success. The talk also covers the courage and responsibility leaders must embody, emphasizing actions over words. With practical advice on difficult conversations, leveraging team strengths, and maintaining adaptability, this episode offers a realistic framework to help you create a culture where every department member feels valued, motivated, and driven to excel.

The Larry Conley Show: Leadership, Legacy, and Lifelong Service in the Fire Service

Leadership, Legacy, and Lifelong Service in the Fire Service
 
In this episode of the Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley welcomes recently retired Arlington County (VA) Deputy Chief Tiffanye Wesley. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of a firefighting career and life beyond the fireground. Reflecting on decades of breaking barriers, mentorship, and community building, Wesley shares her journey of leadership grounded in courage, integrity, and empathy. The conversation touches on the vital role of emotional intelligence, the importance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability, and how retirees can continue shaping the fire service today. They also honor the legacy of Dr. Carl Holmes and the transformative Executive Development Institute, an inclusive leadership pipeline dedicated to empowering firefighters of all backgrounds. With candid stories and powerful insights, they lay out a call to action for the next generation to lead with boldness and heart.  

The Mikey G and Mikey D Show: Firefighter Operations in High-Rise and Big-Box Structures

The Mikey G and Mikey D Show: Firefighter Operations in High-Rise and Big-Box Structures
Hosts Mike Dugan and Mike Gagliano talk with a panel of fire service experts about the Firefighter Air Coalition supplement in Fire Engineering, and their respective articles that cover the complexities of firefighting operations concerning high-rise buildings and rapidly emerging big-box structures. Featuring insights from seasoned firefighters, including Jimmy Davis, Tom Merrill, and Daniel DeYear, the discussion highlights the critical importance of air management, situational preparedness, and interdepartmental collaboration.
 
The experts emphasize the need for comprehensive preplanning, rigorous training processes, and real-world scenarios that require mutual-aid partnerships. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on operational burdens, the realities of high-rise firefighting, and strategies for enhancing firefighter safety and effectiveness amidst evolving challenges.
To read the Fire Engineering supplement, go to https://digital.clarionevents.com/clarionsupplements/2025_firefighter_air/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=2&folio=1#pg1
 
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First Due Battalion Chief: Building Hazards and Response Strategies

First Due Battalion Chief: Building Hazards and Response Strategies
Seasoned firefighters Danny Sheridan and Erik Pettaway discuss the challenges presented by void spaces in residential and commercial buildings. Drawing insights from Frank Brannigan's seminal work, Brannigan’s Building Construction for the Fire Service, the hosts highlight critical concepts such as the rapid spread of fire in concealed spaces and the potential hazards posed by renovated structures. They share firsthand experiences, emphasizing the importance of thorough size-ups, effective communication among crews, and the use of thermal imaging equipment. The discussion underscores the need for ongoing education in building construction and fire behavior, equipping today's firefighters and incident commanders with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

Women in Fire: Mental Health in the Fire Service

Women in Fire: Mental Health in the Fire ServiceIn this episode of the Women in Fire radio show, hosted by Lisa Baker, leading voices from the fire service engage in a critical discussion on mental health, coinciding with National Mental Health Awareness Month (May). The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing mental health challenges faced by firefighters, exploring the stigma associated with vulnerability, and advocating for a culture of openness and support. Featuring insights from seasoned professionals, the panel emphasizes the need to cultivate resilience within teams and the significance of providing mental health resources right from the start of a firefighter’s career. As the members of the panel share personal experiences and strategies for fostering emotional well-being, the episode serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies in acknowledging our challenges and supporting one another.
 
The Panel:
-Kat Desonier, firefighter/paramedic, Evans (CO) Fire District
-Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston, TX
-Kimberly Lightley (ret.), United States Forest Service
-Heidi Simon (ret.), lieutenant, South Metro (CO) Fire 
-Megan Saylors, trustee, North West Region, Women in Fire 
-Kristi Bellock, professional basketball player (ret.) and athletic director, The Bay Club Company (CA) 
 
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Talkin’ Tactics: Mastering Engine Company Operations

Talkin’ Tactics:  Mastering Engine Company Operations
In this episode of Talkin’ Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, Robert "RJ" James, and Sam Villani discuss the essential components of engine company operations. Drawing from their extensive experiences in the fire service, they discuss the critical importance of promptly putting water on the fire and the need for effective communication and coordination within a crew. The conversation spans various topics, including the role of the engine company in rescue operations, the nuances of deploying long lines, and the fundamental training required for new firefighters to excel in their roles. 
 
 
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Tactical Impact: The Essential Role of Air Replenishment Systems

Tactical Impact: The Essential Role of Air Replenishment SystemsIn the latest episode of Fire Engineering's Tactical Impact, host Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann welcome guests Mike Gagliano and Kris Blume to explore the transformative role of firefighter air replenishment systems (FARS) in modern firefighting. As fire departments face increasing operational challenges, particularly in complex multistory and large-scale structures, the accessibility of high-quality air supply for effective fire and rescue operations becomes even more critical. With firsthand accounts on the necessity of air management technology, the episode highlights how integrating FARS into building codes can fundamentally change response strategies, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of firefighters on the front lines.
 
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